Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, Metal Gear Solid and it's characters are not mine, neither are the property of Evangelion. The only thing I own around here is the story itself, Linn Aramaki, Greg Kinezono, and Kari Mondeau, while Silent Scorpion is the property of RuneKnightPictures, Berserker Demon is Tempest Dynasty's guy, while Venom belongs to Grey Wolf. Now that's outta the way...

Shardclawk: Is it safe to come out now? The last Chappie was a doozey, despite that I wasn't sure that you guys were in for a treat having to squeeze so much scenarios into one Chapter alone. That and the writer's block that kept me from updating for a short while. But still, my ever so faithful fans hung on and look at that, I still get reviews and thanks for all my hard work. Now if only I can get ladies by the dozen for my marvelous skills...

Before I proceed, I must thank Grey Wolf for helping me get the details for Raiden's and Gendou's talk done last Chappie. If it wasn't for him, I would still be stuck writing the last Chapter. And in payment, I made sure Gendou had a death well deserved for the help. But don't think just because he's dead, everyone's problems in Nerv and in general are over. Oh no...that's just the beginning of even more things to come, as you'll will all find out...I know, I'm like some kind of possessed character who normally surprises his audiences with one twist or another. Think of me as Kusanagi, the dark, evil version of Kyo from King of Fighters 2002. Well, that's the kind of guy I am anyways, but I'm really not THAT evil...okay, only, whenever I write 'End Of Eva May Cry', but still...

Rio: Collis, you're taking too much time! Are you going ahead with the story?

Shardclawk: Silence! I'm the ruler here, and if I get to do what I want to please me, I do it! Hell, if I wanted you to wear nothing but a French maid uniform, with your skirt ending way above your hips that I can see your undies, I'll do so with the wave of my flaming fists!

Rio, blushing heavily: Oh, Kusanagi, you wouldn't...!

Shardclawk: Oh, yeah...Watch me! SERPENT WAVE!

With a wave of my flames, I transformed Rio's police outfit into a black maid's uniform, complete with sexy lace stockings the ends of Rio's dress ending just under her waist. From the view, a clear hint of pink can be seen. Rio's face went red with anger.

Rio: Kusanagiiiii....hey, not bad. Is there anything you want me to get for you?

ShardclawK: Well, you could just get me some drinks, and oh, when is my new personal guitarist coming over?

Rio: As soon as this Chapter is done, master Kusanagi. She then saw a hundred dollar bill behind her. "Hey, a hundred bucks!"

She bends over to pick it up and once again, I suffer another massive nosebleed from seeing Rio's behind in pink panties and fainted backwards.

Rio: All hail the power of fan service! Oh, but that means I have to host this Chappie again. Oh, hell, anyway, without telling any of you about the insanity of what happened in the last Chapter, because of the multiple twists, here's Chapter 17 told 'differently' for your enjoyment. You'll understand when you read it. The time this Chapter takes place is just before Chapter one of 'Soldier X'. Oh, and don't forget to leave your reviews, pretty please?

ShardclawK: P...Pink...They were so...pink...

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ShardclawKusanagi Presents:

Metal Gear Solid: Children of Evangelion

Chapter 17: Time and Time Again

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"Has the death of Gendou Ikari been confirmed?" Solidus asked, while he was standing in an office area in SEELE headquarters with Revolver Ocelot. Around them, several Tengus stood guard of the area, while more of them could be seen patrolling the outer hallways and the main conference hall of the gathering members of SEELE were held.

"Yes, King, about fifteen minutes ago." Ocelot replied.

"I take it that the implants had done their work?" Solidus asked.

"They have performed the tasks required for the extermination. The manner of the detonation had exceeded our original expectations." Ocelot answered back.

Solidus let out a small laugh. "That bastard Ikari deserved such a fitting end to his existence, didn't he? He thought he could escape my grasp, let alone be trusted with the Patriots plans, only at the end to be used like a pawn for the game...OUR little game."

"So...Phase 2 of the plan is complete." Ocelot smiled. "This will give us a chance to strike Nerv, now that their Commander, formerly a Patriot planning his own agenda, is dead, not to mention their base having suffered a near defeat from the current Angel's invasion is just now recovering. Should we add more insult to the injury?"

"Do you have a plan, Ocelot?" Solidus asked.

"We can report Gendou's death to the world's television news networks, causing a huge incident within the Nerv organization itself. Confusion, chaos...all of the things that make disorganization so grand, that Snake and his fellow cohorts will fell the pressure right on the flesh of their skins."

"Yes, except for us, FOXHOUND and Nerv, the death of Gendou is now existent. If the secret were to get out..." Solidus grinned to himself. "I like your plan, Ocelot. I suppose we have photographic evidence of the death taking place?"

"Yes, the hidden surveillance cameras in the cell room had recorded everything from the point Raiden entered the room. We have everything we could have possibly attained from Gendou's explanation than we had ever hoped for."

"We should save this until the next day, I'm feeling generous that at once we're still on the upper hand..." Solidus spoke. "Ultimatum Gear...comparing Arsenal and Omega RAY to that, we're practically gotten stronger a hundred fold once we activate it. Now, all that is left to do is to find it."

"There were several interferers from outside of FOXHOUND who were peering into GW's database, but that problem's taken care off..." Ocelot spoke.

"You can't be too careless, Ocelot. Now that the entire FOXHOUND group is in Japan, Nerv has twice the manpower in defense to support them." Solidus said. "We should stick to the plan and keep SEELE under our watch for the time being..."

"I'm sure that FOXHOUND will have a much harder time to deal with when our real phase begins." Ocelot spoke, turning his back.

"If you're concerned about that student of yours that is with that group, you shouldn't be so hopeful of meeting him. Do not fret, your own little reunion will happen soon." Solidus replied. "I'm going off to advice Keele that his most trusted confidant for the E-Project is now dead. Order Fortune and Vamp to maintain to return to headquarters."

"That ninja...he's becoming an questionable character..." Ocelot said. "Should I keep a closer eye on him to make sure he's no spy?"

"For the Patriots? They would be stupid enough to send another ninja to do their work." Solidus said. "I trust the rest of the Gurlurkovich army as much as I trust their commander. You'll not interfere with his plans whatsoever, Ocelot."

Some silence filled the room, until Ocelot moved to leave it. "I'm going to interrogate those SEELE council once more. I believe that Keele has left out some more important details."

"The same usual procedure, I assume?"

"Nothing too harsh for the moment." Ocelot replied as he left.

Solidus sat back in the high chair of the office room, a broad smile on his face. (Yes, things are going according to plan. Just some time before Ultimatum is activated...then the real hunting begins...)

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Back at the Central Dogma Command Centre, where Shigeru and Hyuga were working alongside with Ritsuko and Maya, who was still trying to shudder off the thoughts of the previous battle. Just then, Snake, Raiden, Otacon, Meryl, Misato, Scorpion, Naomi and Emma entered. During the walk to the room, Snake and Raiden were told about what happened during the battle, with Panther revealing his powers, when Shinji fought on his own to protect Rei and the NERV base itself, then Unit 01 coming to life. Overall, the two couldn't believe that all of that happened while venturing inside Arsenal Gear. As he watched on the video feed detailing the battle, he managed to shut his mouth after the showing of the battle.

"So, Panther has psychic powers...and he did whatever the hell he did to stop that Angel to destroy the base..." Snake asked, as he sat up from resting a bit near the former Ikari Commander's chair. Misato and Ritsuko nodded in agreement.

"Yes, he just ran out with his grenade gun and used an amplified attack at the Angel. Amazing enough, he managed to by us sometime." Ritsuko said. Just then, Greg entered with Rei and Linn behind him.

"Well, speak of the devil..." Otacon smirked.

Greg had now noticed everyone in the room, especially at Emma. "Snake, Raiden, you're back...hey, why all of the gloomy faces?"

"Oh, we were just telling Snake here how you used your powers to protect NERV from being blasted to bits and having Third Impact started." Ritsuko smirked, causing Greg to jump.

"Oh, shit...look, Snake, I'm sure that there's an explanation to why I haven't told you about why..." Greg tried to explain himself, but Snake interrupted.

"Save it for later. Meryl and Naomi can give me all the details I need." Snake said, looking forward at Misato before he sternly asked: "Alright, Misato...what's this about Shinji?"

"When Shinji was piloting Eva Unit-01 to fight that Angel, something happened..." Misato muttered. "So far, we can't get through with Shinji since the Eva came to life."

"Have you tried the Codec?" Raiden asked.

Rose answered for him with a sad shaking of her head. "No response. It's strange, really. We're still getting vital signs from the entry plug, though..."

"What we can do now is try to get Shinji out of there." Otacon spoke.

"You're saying he's trapped inside the Evangelion?" Snake asked.

Otacon nodded, then turning to Maya. "How' s the unlocking process going, Maya?" he asked.

"I knew this was hopeless, it's not accepting the eject codes." Maya spoke as she worked on her console.

"What about the back up signals?" Ritsuko asked.

"Also refused. Even the direct circuit isn't getting through..."

"But we're still getting activity for the entry plug's monitor. Channeling it through the main screen." Hyuga spoke, pressing the buttons for his console.

What next both NERV, Philanthropy and FOXHOUND factions saw shocked them. The image of a darkened entry plug was seen, but it was empty! Snake walked forward in shock.

"What the hell...!" Snake muttered.

"What's going on here?" Misato asked as she looked on.

Ritsuko cut in, as she had been trying to get the sense of it for awhile. "This is the truth behind the 400% synch ratio." Ritsuko said calmly.

Snake faced Otacon and grabbed his collar. "What the hell happened to Shinji, Otacon?"

Raiden and Greg tried to calm Snake before he lost it. "Snake, take it easy! We're still trying to understand ourselves what happened!" Otacon said. Snake let go and faced Ritsuko afterwards.

"Shinji has been taken into the Evangelion." was her simple reply. That got a loud gasp from everyone in the room.

"Taken into?" Scorpion asked. "You mean he's been absorbed into the Evangelion itself?"

"Dr. Akagi..." Snake growled at her. "Start talking. What is this thing...this Eva?"

"It's a thing created by man in his own image. I can't give any other details than that."

"Created by man?" Misato asked sarcastically. "You didn't create anything, you only made a copy of something you found in the Antarctic. What was the original, that is what we need to know!"

"This is no copy. A human will is inside this thing."

"You're saying somebody willed this to happen?" Misato asked.

"Yes, the Eva's."

Misato raised her right hand in anger to slap Ritsuko's face, before it stopped mid-way inches from her face. Ritsuko and Misato looked at their sides, and saw Greg raising his right nano-arm to freeze Misato's hand's using psycho kinesis.

"That is enough! Both of you!" Greg shouted at the women. "Aren't you supposed to be best friends?"

The two women were about to speak in an aggressive tone at Greg, but they both knew that the power within him is dangerous enough to put the Evas to shame, so Misato dropped her hand and looked away with some shame.

"And I have just about enough of this 'mystery, sci-fi BS' that we're gotten ourselves into!" Greg spoke out. "It's bad enough that I have to deal with myself, but you guys are really started to make us look like we've gotten ourselves into a really twisted anime plot! The last thing I need now is you guys fighting amongst yourselves after all the trouble we went through to help you people from the terrorists. And this is what you repay us with? More closure about your operations? I don't think so, not after all the hardships we've endured."

Scorpion nodded in agreement with his friend. "He's right. So far, we just learnt about what kind of business that runs around here about the Evas and if this thing is the kind of dangers you want to put us in, I must say that this Eva is worst than any Metal Gear out there at present!"

"What was the Commander thinking when he built this thing?" Snake shook his head. Raiden patted his friend's shoulder.

"Was? I don't understand, Snake." Linn asked.

"Commander Ikari is dead." Raiden answered, shocking Ritsuko and Rei and everyone else on the Command Center.

"How?" she asked in shock.

Snake's voice interrupted Raiden before he answered. "Is there any way we can get Shinji back? Back to his original self that is?"

"Possibly. We have data here that we can use to restore Shinji's body to normal, but it will take some time." Ritsuko said.

"You guys can really do that?" Emma asked.

"Yes, there's nothing that science can't accomplish." Ritsuko said.

"You guys and your science are really something, yes?" Greg simply folded his arms. "If you can get the kid back to normal, you guys will have to work magic to make it happen."

"This is exactly what the Commander was referring to before he...expired." Raiden said. "He said this Evangelion was different compared to the others. It wasn't artificial, but an actual being. But before I can get more from him about it...."

"I think I heard enough for one day." Misato said, holding her head. "In fact, we all had enough for one day. We have to get some breath and space before we can get our act together to get Shinji back."

"She' s right, guys. We all had our share of hell today." Snake said. "Greg, you and the other guys from FOXHOUND can take a break back at the apartment at the Katsuragi residence. Scorpion is suppose to be living there with you guys as of today."

"Nani?" Greg said in shock. (Nani means 'what?' in Japanese) He was really getting stressed from his day of work and hoped to show Linn what he meant that he was sorry by giving her a wild time in bed. He would have to put it off till later. "Aww, shoot..."

"Snake, Raiden, and Emma will come with me to talk with Sub-Commander Fuytsuki about what was discussed among the three of you while you were in Arsenal." Misato sternly said. "Otacon, you will work with Dr. Akagi and Lt. Ibuki to find the data you will need to recover Shinji."

"Sure thing. And don't worry, Misato. I'm sure this will turn out alright at the end. The last thing we need is to be pessimistic about this." Otacon patted Misato.

Misato began to walk out of the room first ahead of everyone, as Snake followed after her. She stopped to lean back and think to herself that today wasn't one of the good days in the hallways of NERV.

"You okay, Misato?" Snake asked. Misato only gave a light smile, then quickly looked at him in sadness.

"Of course, I'm not. David...Shinji didn't deserve all of this." Misato said. "He was only trying to protect everyone in this base, but I think he was worried the most for Rei. I never seen him like that before..."

Snake remembered what he told Shinji before. He shook his head, hoping not to blame himself for not being there when Unit-01 came to life.

"I think Shinji was using what he believed in to protect you guys, but I sill can't get over what happened with that Eva." Snake said, taking Misato's right hand and holding it. "Look, Misato...whatever goes down, you know you have my full support through this. I want the kid back as much as you and everyone else does."

"David...you really care about Shinji this much that you want to help?" Misato asked.

"Of course, I do. He kinda grew unto me after a while..." Snake said. "But now, his father's totally abandoned him, leaving him an orphan. He has no one else to look after him now except you. And I want to be there with Shinji as well to help him get him through the worst of times when his father didn't give a damn about him when he was still alive."

Misato stared at Snake for a moment before she pressed her body next to his, letting Snake hug Misato tight as she spoke. "Oh, Snake...thank you..."

Snake let his hand run through Misato's lavender hair as he stroked it. "Don't you worry, Misato. You're not alone in this fight. You have me, Raiden, Otacon, and practically all of FOXHOUND helping you deal with this. We'll do whatever we can to get Shinji back."

Misato looked up at Snake, before she leaned forward to hug him tighter. Snake complied and the two embraced in the empty hallway, while unknown to them, Meryl was watching the two.

(David...) Meryl thought to herself. (So, he has gotten over tomboys...)

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Location, old Tokyo...

"I'm telling you, Nanvel! I don't need these nanos!" complained a bandaged Rio, who was lying in bed, dressed in a pink robe. Yuji, Maya Jingu and another woman in her mid-thirties dressed in a tight, body fitting blue police uniform that ended with a sexy appearing mini skirt. She had on green a pantyhose that seemed like skin over her slender long legs, her short hair was dark blue with a red clip and her eyes were concealed thanks to a large pair of glasses that reflected off the sunlight.

Nanvel sat back with a worried look on her face. "Rio! You don't know how serious your injury is. Listen to Maki and do something right for a change?"

Rio pouted at the woman who was coolly watching over them. "Maki! I told you, I'm okay. There's no need for you to do this!"

Maki Kawasaki walked closer to Rio with a serious look on her face. "Rio...if you hadn't contacted us any sooner, you would have died. It's a good thing that Mantis spared you with minor injuries, but you can't be moving about so often."

"But what about Lilica? That creep took her!" Rio said, almost feeling weak. Her body was still in pain after being ambushed by the group that attacked earlier. "And he's obviously trying to get Greg into some kind of trap by doing this!"

Yuji came to Rio's assistance. "Rio, take it easy. You've just survived a blow that could have killed you from massive head trauma. Mantis was just playing around with you. Don't get too excited or else you'll hurt yourself even more..."

"Yuji...I know you care, but..." Rio stopped, feeling her side. "It's my fault...I got to deep into something I was too worried for over for Greg. I'm still treating him as if he's still fourteen years old. Now, Lilica has been captured right from the safest place we taught the Patriots wouldn't find, until today."

"You said you contacted Greg, Nanvel?" Maki asked.

"Yes, just sometime ago." Nanvel responded. "He said he would get over her when he has the chance..."

"I really don't want to drag Greg from FOXHOUND into this, but it's little too late for that." Maki said. "The most Mantis will do is leave Lilica alone for the time being until they can find some kind of way to get whatever we have learned about the terrorists activities from her...I don't want to say they will harm her in any way, but..."

"That's why we have to take some action!" Rio stood up, but quickly sat back down because of the pain that had returned to her stomach. She almost suffered breaking at least three ribs before Mantis almost did her in. Quickly, Nanvel and Yuji laid her back, as she winced in pain. "Owwww! That really hurt!"

"That is why you must stay in bed, Rio. All you need is some rest to let the nanomachines heal the damage did to you." Nanvel said.

"When Greg gets here, I swear that I'll work his ass until he's strong enough to make Mantis pay tenfold to what he did!" Rio was getting delirious alright. Just afterwards, she fainted back into the bed, in a deep sleep.

"Phew. At least she's asleep and relaxed now..." Yuji said. "Now what do we do, Maki?"

"We can't stay here, now that the restaurant's a crime scene. The Patriots or Dead Cell will no doubt be coming after us knowing that we invaded GW." Maya said.

"If FOXHOUND managed to succeed in stopping the terrorists plot for now, Greg should know as much about how far he's gotten increasing his powers..." Nanvel cut in. "The Patriots will know about the extent of Greg's abilities because the virus within him just sucks up every emotion around him and amplifies the damage when he unleashes his attacks."

"As per se, Greg's Ultimate Defense move..." Maki said. "The move that saved NERV headquarters from being destroyed from that Angel...and the Patriots were probably for a time like that to allow Greg to reveal his abilities like that..."

"I have sinking feeling that the beginning of everyone's problems, doesn't start from here alone..." Nanvel said. "We have to get moving to a safer location so anyone looking suspicious from the enemy won't be able to find us...not right away that is..."

"I agree. Nanvel, you will just have to take whatever equipment with you that we may be needing. You can always come over to Police Town if you need assistance."

"Okay, Maki." Nanvel smiled for awhile.

"Yuji, you and Maya will move Rio to my old house just outside of the city. You remember where that is, right?" Maki asked.

"Of course. We stayed at the hot springs there last summer." Maya nodded.

"Make that your temporary quarters for the time being. Take only the most important belongings and Yuji will have to use the transport van."

"Got it." Yuji said.

"Let's pray to God that the Patriots don't beat either of us, FOXHOUND, or Team Warrior at this sick little game first before someone we care about the most loses their life..." Maki said, as she looked out at the window with a sad look on her face. (Greg...what exactly does the Patriots and Mantis want with you?)

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Author's notes: Okay folks...after this scene, the following scenes will take place way past the Soldier X storyline. While I won't reveal what will be happening there, let's get things rolling with the story, shall we?

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The First Day...

"You're leaving FOXHOUND?" Naomi asked while she was seated on a chair in the cafeteria area. Greg and Linn were as usual, holding hands and standing next to her table, amidst the busy activities among fellow Nerv technicians and programmers.

"Only temporarily, ma'am. With Commander Silverburgh and your permission, of course." Greg nervously replied.

"And why I may ask are you doing this at such a critical timing when the enemy is still in control of the city?" Naomi asked coolly.

"Dr. Hunter, I think something must have happened back in old Tokyo during that attack by the Angel." Linn answered for Greg before he can respond. "He told me all about it soon after that Evangelion came alive. I know he's needed back at FOXHOUND right now, but..."

"I know that if Greg's family must have been in trouble, I can understand that. But, Greg, Reese really is expecting you to be back in HQ soon." Naomi said. "I don't know if it's the status of the powers or the nanomachines in your body that's keeping the powers of your psychic prowess in control, but it is vital that we must record to see if your health is in check."

Greg let out a loud sound that only Trinidadians were good at by sucking their teeth against the lips called 'steupsing'. "I still smell a big rat behind all of this...and it's obviously Reese alright."

"Greg!" Linn said. "I'm sorry, Doc. You know him, even after showing off like that out there, he can still be loud and troublesome."

Naomi sighed for a while, before getting up. "Look, Greg...I know Rio and her friends are the closest thing you can have to a family...but I want you to remember that you have a mission to complete here. I'm sure whatever Team Warrior has gotten themselves into is only a minor thing."

"You're talking about Rio, Doctor. There's nothing minor about what Team Warrior has to take on..." Greg smirked.

"Then this means that Greg can...?" Linn asked.

"I'll speak to Meryl first. Hopefully, she can give you at least a week of R and R." Naomi said.

"That's all I'm asking for. That should give me enough time to get whatever mess Rio gotten herself into.out of it." Greg cracked his knuckles.

"Of course, someone from FOXHOUND will have to monitor where you'll be going, so Reese won't get any ideas." Naomi said. "You can ask either Rose, or Otacon to do that."

"Thanks, but I'll be okay." Greg said. "And what makes you think Reese will do anything contrary?"

"The most he can do is have you revoked from the organization for your reckless acts in the past, including this past event with that Angel." Naomi sternly said.

Greg stopped for a moment before he stepped out of the cafe. "He'll try."

As Greg was out of the room, Linn turned to look at Naomi. "Sorry about that, Dr. Hunter. Greg is still in a fit after using his powers like that...but I guess anyone from FOXHOUND could be pissed off at Reese."

"I meant to ask...why is that the case?"

"You didn't hear? Reese tried to take command of Scorpion's mission while he was in Cuba." Linn explained. "Greg learned all of the details from Rose that Reese is susceptible and, well...Greg's not so friendly about that as Scorpion is about the same thing."

"I can understand that, but why would Reese have anything to argue against about the status of the recruits in FOXHOUND?" Naomi asked.

"I wish I knew the answer to that..." Linn said. "Look, I'm sure Greg will be okay while he's gone, now that almost everyone is here. NERV will be in safer hands than before when we find out why Dead Cell has plotted all of this."

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Greg stepped out the door, feeling the throbbing pain within his body, a side effect to using his psychic powers in such a powerful way. He would have to find a way to gain better control of how he can use them, so he wouldn't have to let his power injure himself whenever he uses it.

(I could care less what Reese wants with me...I'm more worried about Rio...) Greg thought to himself, almost passing by a vending machine. where of the attractive female NERV technicians of the Central Command Centre was trying to get a drink out of the machine.

"Awww, no! Not again!" the woman cried out. Greg noticed the woman and stopped.

"Hey, you're having a problem, ma'am?" Greg asked politely.

The woman turned around and jumped at the sight of Greg's silver-colored hair. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that you were working with NERV to thwart the terrorists..."

"That's okay. We may look threatening, yes, but we know who our enemy is and we never mistake them between the innocents." Greg smiled. "I really have to do something with this hair problem..."

"This stupid machine took more money than it supposed to be offered. Why that damn Commander won't fix this thing?"

"Not enough change, eh?" Greg smiled, as he raised his arm, causing the machine to shake, then after some seconds, three cans of soda dropped unto the tray. The technician's eyes widened in shock to this.

"How did you...?" she asked Greg is shock, taking a can.

"Don't ask, don't tell." Greg simply said, taking one for himself. "I was just glad to help out, ma'am. And I personally fix the machine is I'm not too busy."

The tech smiled at Greg as he left. (What a nice guy.) she thought.

(Thanks for the compliment.) Greg said telepathically back to her. Just then, he bumped into a person as he was drinking the soda. "Ooops, I'm sorry...Garland?!"

Garland Durev and Michael Hanson stood side by side in front of a stunned Greg. Garland smiled at his friend.

"Hello, Greg." Garland simply said.

"Mommy..." Greg said, quietly. "Why are you AND Michael here?"

"Aww, come on, Greg. You guys needed our help, so Campbell requested that we be here." Micheal said.

"Good grief...I bet Reese was the one who sent you both to take me in, huh?" Greg growled.

"That's not why we're here to do." Garland said. "You know we're just being the extra hand that will assist in this crisis."

"I don't have time to toy with Reese and his plans...I have other problems right now and NO ONE is going to stop me!" Greg got into a loose stance.

"Ah, Greg...always being the hard head, aren't you?" Micheal said. "If you know you want to take us, even if you defended this base from an Angel, just say so. But the only thing you lack is technique, Greg."

Greg simply hung his shoulders. "Fine...today isn't the right time for sparring. But when I do...you'll regret beating me down last week back at HQ. You too, Garland."

"You always say that." Garland patted Greg's shoulder. "So, where's the rest of the dysfunctional family?"

"You mean us?" Kari jumped from Greg's back, unfortunately surprising him.

"Kari?! You too?" Greg said, hugging the young girl. Just then, Mana appeared as well. "Oh, great...Mana is here, too. This is going to get real grand..."

"Hello, Greg...I guess you got your name cut out for all it's worth, huh?" Mana joked.

"What does that suppose to mean?!" Greg looked furious. "Wait a minute...this means just because I saved NERV from being blasted to oblivion, you all have to show up? That doesn't make sense..."

"Greg...Campbell was worried about you...he just didn't want anything tragic to happen to you..." Kari said.

"My entire existence is tragic..." Greg simply said, acting as if he was in a play. "Look, I appreciate all of you being watchful for me...and still accepting me as your comrade and friend...but there's too much pain in my life as of now...I have to rethink on how I'll be able to protect everyone if I have to make myself more powerful...I'm sorry...I have to be alone right now..."

Greg walked off from the group as he continued his way to wherever he could be alone. (That reminds me...I have to ask Lt. Ibuki for that favor before I leave the city...)

"That guy gets more mysterious by the day, even if we do work a lot together." Garland said. "Micheal, keep a close eye on him just in case he doesn't pull anything that will endanger his life."

"Right after I go and meet this Dr. Akagi." Michael said, heading to another direction. "See you guys later."

After Kari and Mana waved at Micheal, they faced Garland. "Well, now that's everyone's here, I guess we should keep on guarding the base and inquire more NERV personnel on what we missed." Garland said.

"Okay, Garland." Kari nodded. Mana and her friend walked past Garland behind him to go the Command Centre, while Garland headed to the passage towards him. In front him, he can see an almost disgruntled Scorpion sitting on one of the benches just outside the hospital room where Asuka was being treated. He was holding unto his large PSG-1, while his weapon, a seventeen inch blade, similar to a katana, but not anywhere close to Raiden's HF-Blade. It was named, 'Fate'.

Scorpion noticed Garland and looked up. "Garland? You're here too? Now I see it was unusual that Kari brought my sword, seeing that all of you are here."

Garland smiled back to the young sniper for FOXHOUND. "Well, you know Campbell. Whenever there's a situation that's overly too much for civilians to handle, that's where we come in."

He sat down next to Scorpion and looked at the door that lead to Asuka's room. "You're worried about Asuka? I'm too. She and I are old friends, you know."

Scorpion was silent for awhile before he spoke. "You think...after how she reacted out there...she will ever try to accept help from us...much less someone like me? She really looked she didn't want to be part of working with even her fellow pilots anymore."

"I would advice you not to crowd her too much, she's one that get fired up over nothing too quickly." Garland said. "Of course, I don't think that even someone as close to her friends will make any progress..."

"Don't worry, it won't happen. We're just here to stop the terrorists from taking this base and nothing more." Scorpion said, taking his sword up. "I'm going to get out of this suit and into some clothes. I'll see you later, Garland."

Garland looked on at Scorpion as he left before he turned to Asuka's room. He then decided to wait awhile until she was full recovered to talk to her about old times.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Second Day...

"A cerebral hemorrhage....?" Ritsuko asked, while she was working in her office with Maya and Otacon. They have been discussing about what they have learned from Snake and Raiden's venture while in Arsenal Gear. With her, was Linn and Micheal. Greg had already left NERV to take care of his 'personal business', but Linn was already missing her heroic boyfriend.

"Yeah, that what the coroner said. He had some kind of tumor in his brain, but it's obvious that it was something else..." Micheal said. "I had a chance to examine the autopsy myself and saw that there was a device implanted in his brain. It was designed for detonation alright, but so far the exact origin hasn't been pointed out."

"Well, at least he won't be around to hound everyone's necks anymore..." Otacon smirked, when Maya punched his shoulder.

"Hal! I can't believe you would say something like that, especially with all what has been happening..." Maya said.

"Awww, give me a break, Maya." Otacon said, fixing his glasses. "Remember when Unit-03 was possessed and he ordered the Dummy Plug to be activated, knowing the pilot was still inside? Surely no other person in charge of a place like NERV would call a judgment call like that. I wouldn't like to say this, but after everything that's happened, we certainly now know the truth about Gendou, he surely wasn't fit to even be the Commander. I mean, he was just making things worst for everyone here...even for Snake, Philanthropy and FOXHOUND."

"He does has a point, Maya." Ritsuko said in a low voice. "The world's probably a better place without him around. Sub-Commander Fuyutski knows how to take care of things better, so it won't be long before he takes over as the new Commander."

"What about Misato?" Linn asked.

"Well, she will have to be the Sub-Commander soon, but as soon as things simmer down. NERV is taking the death of Gendou Ikari surprisingly well, as if they could care less to what happened." Ritsuko said.

"Yeah, we can understand why..." Maya said. "But now we know that Gendou took part in past Patriots activities...does that mean that we're anywhere safer from what Dead Cell is plotting?"

"We can only hope it can stay safe for the moment." Micheal said. "If we're not prepared for the next surprise they may throw at us, we're good as screwed."

Meanwhile, at the Katsuragi residence....

"I know Wondergirl's still alive. Don't bother me with such trivial crap like that, Misato!" an angry Asuka shouted at the phone. Immediately she hung up and threw it down, as her room was a sign of a cluttered mess of torn magazines and broken glass. Everything in her room was disarranged from the fact that her temper over her defeat from the 14th Angel was still active. Covering her head over the pillow of her bed, she pulled it even more, blaming her self failure.

"I can't believe it...I couldn't do anything...why didn't they send stupid Shinji out before me?" Asuka said to herself. "I can't stand it."

From outside her room, a casual dressed Scorpion was overhearing her voice, as he was arranging his knives and cleaning out his sniper rifle. He simply shook his head, feeling almost sorry for the young girl. He had just moved into the apartment as part of Snake's orders to secure her protection, but even he has doubts if his plan will work.

(Living here won't be easy...) Scorpion thought himself, as he took up another knife to examine to see if it's edge wasn't getting dull. From the next fridge, Pen-Pen walked out and paced towards him. He simply glared at the penguin which scampered away quickly. "From weird to weirder...I better keep the tranquilizers close just in case either one of them gets curious."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Third Day...

"What do you mean, you're going to salvage Shinji?" Misato asked. She and Snake were standing on one side at the Evangelion cage where Unit-01 was stored as Ritsuko, Maya, Otacon and Micheal were explaining to them what happened when Unit 01 came to life.

"Well, theoretically, Shinji's life force still exists in there." Ritsuko replied clammy.

"Hah, and will you be respecting that life this time?"

"Losing Shinji is out of the question."

"Oh, I don't know. What NERV wants is Unit-1 as their tool, not Shinji." Misato talked.

"I don't deny it."

Snake cut in. "Ladies, do you want me to call back Panther for you two? Save the bitter blood for after we find out what we can do to get him back."

"Our assumption is that Shinji's body lost it's ego borders and is now floating in the entry plug in quantum form." Maya said.

"Meaning?" Snake asked.

"Shinji has been shifted into a form we can't see." Misato explained.

"Exactly." Otacon said.

"The LCL has chemically altered into something that is very similar to the seawater of primitive Earth." Micheal said.

"What the hell...?!" Snake said in surprise.

"Yes, as surprising as it sounds, it's almost identical to the to the primordial soup we duplicated in laboratories." Ritsuko said.

"Primordial soup?" Misato asked.

"Yes. All the substances that composed Shinji are still preserved in the plug and his souls exists as well. In fact, his ego-image is giving some sort of substance to his plug suit."

"In other words, the salvage operation is to reconstruct his body and return his soul into it." Maya said.

"Is that possible?" Misato said.

"With the MAGI's support, yes it is." Ritsuko said.

"This is just therocial stuff." Misato responded. "You won't know what will happen until you do it."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Fourth Day...

(What is this...where am I?) Shinji's voice spoke inside the LCL filled entry plug, where his own empty plug suit was floating about. (The entry plug of Unit-01..but there's nobody here...not even myself.)

(What is this? I don't understand...) he said, as he encountered visions and images of famliar people, such as Misato, Rei, Asuka, Touji, Kensuke, Ritsuko, Hikari, Maya, Shigeru, Hyuga, then the people of Philanthropy and FOXHOUND like Snake, Raiden, Otacon, Rose, Psychic Panther, Silver Eagle and Silent Scorpion. (These people, yes... They are people I know and people who know me.)

(I understand now, this is my world.) he said. (It's suppose to be my world, yet I don't understand...an image from outside? A hostile image?)

Visions of the past Angels that were defeated appear now. "The enemy...that's right the enemy. Our enemies are something called Angels, they have the names of Angels too. They are the targets of NERV and Eva. This is the revenge for the death of Misato's father. But why do I fight? Why do I do this despite all the pain and suffering?"

Asuka's voice was heard behind him, answering him. "What are you, stupid!? It's our job to fight back when they attack us. Who cares what they think?"

(Am I in war trying to find out a reason to fight? Am I not suppose to think about it?" he asked himself once more. "The enemy...that which threatens us is the enemy...of course, how could I falter in protecting my own life than those of others?"

(The enemy...my...enemy...my father...) Shinji turns to see his father, Gendou staring back at him through his tinted glasses. Shinji clenches his fists. (Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT! You tried to hurt Touji knowing he was still in that Eva and you killed my mother!"

"FATHER!"

"Why do you hate your father?" Rei asked Shinji.

"Anyone would hate him, he's no father at all."

"You don't understand him, do you?"

"Of course not. In fourteen years, I hardly even got to see him."

"Is that why you hate him?"

"Yes, my father never really need me, he deserted me."

"So, am I a substitute?"

"Yes! That's got to be it!" Shinji cried out. "He abandoned me because he already had Ayanami." He looked on to see a younger Shinji, who was four years old just when he was left alone.

"As if you already didn't run away yourself." he said to him.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" he cried out. "It was all his fault. That time I was actually going to tell him I hate him."

"Did you make me a pilot just to make me suffer?"

"Correct." Gendou replied.

"How can you say that?! Why do you have to be so cold?" he asked. "It's not fair, you didn't even need me, did you?"

"I called because I have a use for you."

"But why me?"

"Because there is no one else."

"No way! Why haven't I seen this before? It's not fair! It's not possible!" he cried out.

Another Shinji appears at his side to speak. "Correct, and I know this to be true." he said.

"That's right." he turned to see an image of Unit-01 staring back at him. "I already knew Eva, and then I ran away...leaving my mother and father behind."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Thirtieth Day...(Warning! Spoilers for 'Soldier X' ahead!)

"Greg's still MIA?" Scorpion asked in shock. He was seated in the room with Linn, Micheal and Garland. It wasn't surprising to everyone that he was throwing knives as darts at a picture of Lt. Reese that hung on the wall. "I thought he dealt with that business he said he was going through at old Tokyo with his surrogate mother and that group, Team Warrior. Should he be back by now?"

"Right now, he's still trying to fix...some loose ends. That is what he told me when last I contacted him." Micheal said.

"We should go after him. I mean...Reese was responsible for making his life a mess a living hell." Scorpion threw another shuriken, this one landing on the temple of Reese's portrait.

"Greg said that he's perfectly capable of taking care of this on his own. He said that he's gotten stronger before he tangoed with Mantis, and he taken up a student who shares in psychic abilities as well." Micheal explained.

"Wait...Greg never said he's taken apprentices before..." Garland said.

"From the last conversation I had with Greg, he has met a young girl who was taken prisoner by Mantis as well. This girl he's looking after, Yuina Hatori, has powers that could help Greg if she is taught right. Her aunt was killed by Mantis under the Patriots's orders from what Greg said, so he took her in..."

"And where is he now? He is keeping himself out of the eye of the law, since Reese put that damn wanted bounty on his head!" Linn took up one of Scorpion's knives and threw it violently at the nads area of Reese. She hasn't been to happy recently with how the safety of her boyfriend was turning out. Garland placed a hand on her shoulder as she cooled down.

"Would you believe that he's in Shanghai, China? Not just the law is after him, but he believes that several other secret organizations are on him as well, and I don't mean just the Patriots." Micheal said.

"Damn, Greg's must really be in deep shit to be out of the country at a time like this..." Garland said. "Does he need any help again? Maybe that mercenary group should have stayed with him..."

"He already has help. Three other FOXHOUND recruits are helping him take care of things. Part of Campbell's orders." Micheal said. "Riku Hanabishi, aka Drakken, Nagi Naoe aka Mystic Crow, and Tot, aka Usagi Ninja. They share similar abilities like Greg, but no where as powerful as him, or he will get. Still, Campbell was trying to be careful not to let Reese get his grubby hands on those kids either."

"I've only heard of them, aren't they from the Japanese headquarters of FOXHOUND?" Scorpion asked.

"Yeah, that's why Campbell couldn't risk super-powered recruits into the organization because of Reese. So they had to lay low in Japan for awhile." Micheal said. Just then, Raiden entered, with Charlie holding unto his hand.

"Hey, guys. Snake and Misato are getting set to go NERV. They should be getting ready to get Shinji back." he said.

"Alright. Micheal and I are coming to see this." Garland threw on his shirt and the two walked out with Raiden. Scorpion stayed in the room, as Linn plumped back into the couch.

"Hey, you alright, Linn?" Scorpion asked.

"I just want my Greggie back, Scorpion. Is that too hard to ask?" Linn said, almost tired. "Believe me, when Greg gets back here, Reese better starts to re-locate himself before any one of us finds him."

Scorpion grinned slightly. "Greg's a very skilled guy, Linn. If defending NERV from an Angel was simple, then whatever else Reese throws at him should be a cakewalk."

( I hope so...) she thought, rubbing her temple. (Oh, Greg, do come back soon...I need you...)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Electromagnetic radiation pulse is normal, wave pattern is zero." a NERV technician said through the speakers in the Evangelion cage.

"All counters are functioning normally." responded a female assistant.

Misato and Snake stood side by side in silence, hoping for the best from this situation. Meanwhile in the office of Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, Maya, Otacon, Micheal and Ritsuko herself was working to find a way to recover Shinji.

"Salvage operation guideline, it's incredible you were able to come up with this in one month." Maya said.

"Thanks for the credit, but this isn't all my work. The majority of this data is from ten years ago."

"Ten years ago?" Otacon asked. "You're saying this happened before?"

"Yes, but it was before I started to work here. It was during my mother's time, but I can still pick her brains." Ritsuko said.

"Then how did it turn out then?" Micheal asked.

"They didn't succeed." she replied, surprising everyone in the room.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Thirty First Day....

(Kindness...warmth.) Shinji thought. (Is this warmth part of being human? I wasn't aware of it until now.)

"What is loneliness?" Rei asked.

"I was never aware of it before, but now I think I know what it is." he replied.

"And what is happiness?"

"I didn't know what is was, but now I think I understand."

"Do you know if others are kind to you?"

"They are."

"And why?

"Because, I pilot an Eva. That's why they threat me so well. That's the reason I keep going on. It's the justification for my continuing existence, who and what I am. That's why I have to pilot it." he said.

"Which means?"

"To fight. I have to fight the ones they call our enemy."

"And that means?"

"That I have to win. I can't afford to lose. I must be the pilot and do what must be told. I got to win! Just like they tell me to, otherwise I'm...nothing."

"Work hard, Shinji." Misato's voice was heard.

"Get to work, stupid idiot." Asuka told him.

"Yeah, work hard." Touji backed him up.

"You gotta work hard." Kensuke had his say.

"Good work, Shinji." Gendou's voice answered.

"I'm proud of you, Shinji." Snake told him.

"Misato, Ritsuko, Asuka, Ayanami, Touji, Kensuke, father...David..." Shinji thought back. "They all respect me, when I pilot Eva. They respect this totally worthless being...they all tell me to pilot it, so...I'll prove to my father that I'm worth something."

"Work hard, Shinji." Misato's voice was heard one more time.

"But I am working hard. I'm doing the best I can. Somebody please? Can't you threat me better? Why can't you be nice to me?" he cried out.

"I'm nice to you." Rei's voice answered.

"Tell me, Shinji..." Misato said to him. "Do you want to become one with me? To be of one mind and body? It can be very nice. Ask me anytime, I'm ready."

"Hey, Shinji, you idiot, do you want to become one with me? To be of one mind and body? It be very awesome. You ought to appreciate your good fortune, come on." Asuka spoke to him.

"Ikari...do you want to become one with me? To be of one mind and body? It will be very pleasant." Rei's voice asked him.

"Relax and free your soul..." the three females chorused together.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"You guys better pull this one off..." Snake said, as he stood near Misato, Garland, Raiden, Ritsuko, Emma, Naomi, Micheal and Meryl at the Command Centre. He bit on the cigarette in his mouth even more, feeling tense as the process went underway.

"All the probes have been inserted."

"Electromagnetic radius is 6 to 0-3."

"Ego-border pulse connection is complete." Maya said, as Otacon stood closeby.

"Roger. Begin the salvage operation." Ritsuko said.

"Initiating program, transmitting first signal." Hyuga reported.

"Subject's cathesis is normal."

"Signal received, no rejection." Shigeru said.

"Proceed the same with second and third signals." Maya answered.

"Destrudo could not be confirmed."

"Confirmed, shift the subject to phase two." Ritsuko ordered.

Snake and Misato looked at each other and held each other's hand tightly. Things were looking well for the moment.

"Come on, Shinji. Come back to us..." Misato said to herself.

Just then, the buzzer went off on the monitors. Something went wrong, as Micheal rushed over to Maya's console. "What's going on?"

"It's no good! His ego-borderline has been frozen into a fixed loop." Maya shouted.

"Try to radiate the wave pattern in all directions." Ritsuko said, then her face showed as sign of shock. "Oh my God, all of the radiated signals are being trapped in climbed space!"

"What does that mean?" Misato ask, as Snake was getting worried too.

"It means...we failed." Ritsuko calmly said.

"WHAT!?" Snake shouted. "Isn't there a way to reverse this damn thing?"

"Maya, abort intervention and reverse the tangent graph. Set the additional value at 0." Micheal acted quick to Ritsuko's aid.

"Right." she replied.

"Destrudo reaction in the Q area." Shigeru said.

"This is total pandemodium! Something's very wrong!" Maya said, typing furiously on her console. "We can't stop this!"

(What's going on? Don't you want to come back?) Ritsuko said. (Why, Shinji?)

"The Eva's rejecting the signal." Maya said.

"Shinji's ego is distergrating into LCL." Shigeru reported.

"Pressure in the plug is increasing."

"Abort all operations, power down." Ritsuko said.

"It's not working, the plug's ejecting."

The entry plug did indeed opened, revealing only a flood of LCL and Shinji's empty plug suit. Snake and Misato could only brace themselves for the worst when they shouted Shinji's name together.

"Damn! This has got to be a bad dream..." Snake could only mutter. Misato felt her heart stop, as she was still trying to accept this happening. Instinctly, she ran out the room, her eyes near watering. Snake glared at the monitor before he cursed quietly and exited the room, following Misato.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

At the Evangelion Cage near Unit-01, Misato was on her knees, sobbing and holding onto the plug suit. Snake, Otacon and Raiden entered. They can only shake their heads in sadness and disbelief that despite helping NERV to recover Shinji, the attempts failed. Raiden can't think of anything to tell his friend, but just try to keep his distance, knowing how Snake will feel at a time like this.

"Snake..." Raiden looked on, trying to find the right words. "...I'm sorry...We all knew how much he meant to you...but..."

"Not...not right now, Raiden..." Snake said, his voice hurt from the sadness in the room. "I just need to stay close to Misato..."

"You should go and do that, Snake." Otacon said, as Snake walked forward to meet Misato. To his and Raiden's surprise, he was crying too. They don't remember ever seeing Snake like this before. In a way, it made them sad as well.

Snake stepped closer to Misato, as he heard her cries.

"How could you, you Goddamn science? You can't even save one small life?' she cried out. "Give me back my Shinji! Give him back!"

"Misato..." Snake knelt down to her, touching her shoulder. She turned around and saw the tears from his face as well.

"David...she sniffed, before she came close enough to cry on his shoulder. The two began to share the same sadness that they had in common, for the one that meant dear to them.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Shinji?" a woman's voice called out to him. Shinji looked up and he can see a familiar woman, younger that Misato, with short brown hair. Her face showed a gentle presence as she smiled upon him. "My dear Shinji, it's so good to see you again."

"Mother?" Shinji recognized her voice and her smell. It felt so real, yet, something wasn't right. "It's really you!"

He embraced Yui for a long moment, feeling secure since it's been forever since he was in his mother's arms. She looked at him with a smile and talked. "Yes, it's me, Shinji. You have grown to be a strong boy."

"You think so?" he asked. "Mother...just where am I?"

"Inside Evangelion Unit-01." she said to him. "I had been watching you from within it all this time, and you've made me so proud that you're able to protect the ones that matter to you. I'm sure you're father must feel the same."

Shinji's smile quickly disappeared as he thought of Gendou. "That's not true...mother, he's no father to me. He only used me for his own needs...he tried to hurt my best friend, even then he knew someone was inside. He didn't threat me any better since you...he abandoned me, and now he's putting my life on the line to protect this world from the Angels."

"Are you certain what you are saying is the truth, Shinji?" Yui asked.

"Yes...I see him for what he is now. Because of him, he made my life miserable, he never cared about me." Shinji said. "If is wasn't for Snake, my best friend would have been..."

"Snake?"

"Solid Snake...but I call him David." Shinji smiled again. "He...risked his own life to rescue Touji, and he likes to make me and my other friends happy. I would rather have him as a real father than the one I have now."

"So...why are you still here?" Yui asked. "If this Solid Snake has won your favor over Gendou, you should be with him and tell him how much you need him to support you."

"You mean...?"

"Shinji...you have left a lot of people who care about you behind, and they will be sad because you're gone. I know you want to stay with me, but you're needed even more where you belong..." Yui said. "Shinji...you've gotten strong enough to know what you're fighting for thanks to Snake. You should go back and repay the favor by being what he expects of you, not what will Ryoboungi will want."

"Mother..." Shinji cried out, hugging her once more. "Will I ever see you again?"

"I'll always be watching you, from within the Eva." she smiled. "And tell Snake for me...that he has my blessings and thanks."

"Mother..." Shinji smiled, feeling light-headed at first. He can feel himself coming psychical once more...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Outside of Unit-0....

"Hey, something's coming out of the S2 engine!" Otacon shouted.

Snake and Misato looked up and to everyone's surprise, they saw a naked young boy, emerging from the open S2 engine, drenched in fluids. The two leapt up and rushed over to Shinji's sleeping body

"SHINJI!" Misato shouted, taking off her jacket to cover him. Snake could only watch as he was stunned to see this. Then he smiled slightly. The young boy that was close as a son to him had returned.

(Welcome back to the real world, kid.) he thought with a smile.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Shinji woke up in the hospital bed a few hours later, his head groggy and almost blank from the past experience he went through. The last thing he remembered was that he was in Eva Unit1, fighting the 14th Angel. He looked up at the ceiling and after a moment, he heard a voice.

"About time you woke up, kid. " Shinji turned to his right and saw it was Snake, dressed in casual clothing. He had taken a shave and still he looks as if he wasn't asleep. Shinji's face lit up as he hugged him the moment he recognized him.

"David!" Shinji cried out. "You're back! I'm so happy..."

"Whoa, whoa, take it easy. I wasn't gone for too long." Snake smiled. "You on the other hand...you had me and everyone else worried."

"I'm sorry...I was just following what you told me..." Shinji blushed. Snake grinned as he roughed Shinji's hair.

"I can understand. Just try to be careful next time." Snake said.

Some silence passed as the two stared at each other for awhile. Shinji then talked. "Umm...David....?"

"Yeah, Shinji?"

"My mother says...thanks for being there when I need you." Shinji blushed. "You and Misato, Ayanami, Asuka...everyone else that helped us...that's the reason I came back. I had to come back to fight and protect you once more...but more importantly...to be like a son to you."

Snake was surprised to hear this, as he sat on the bed and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Shinji...I don't know what to say but that I'm very honored to have been complimented by a brave kid like you. And you know what that earns?"

"Ummm...no..." Shinji blushed.

"THIS!" Snake tackled Shinji and tickled him at his stomach. His laughs got harder and harder with each attempt to escape.

"No, Snake, no!" Shinji cried out happily. "No, no...don't touch me there!"

"There you go, resisting again, you little brat!" Snake joked. "Take this."

After a few seconds of tickling the Third Child, Snake stopped and grinned at Shinji. It was then Shinji remembered something. "Hey...I almost forgot...my father...did you and Raiden rescue him?"

"Uh...yeah..." Snake really hoped that he wasn't asked that question by Shinji. Still, he can't keep the truth from him any longer. "....Shinji...your father...."

"Look, I know that you don't like my dad. I feel the same too. But...I'll accept whatever happened to him...just tell me, David." Shinji said.

Snake looked at Shinji with a serious look. "Shinji...your father's dead. Raiden went to rescue him, but something went wrong. There was nothing we could have done. I'm sorry, kid."

Shinji looked discouraged for a moment, then said a simple: "Oh, I see. Then, that means...I can have you as my father!"

"Don't get the wrong idea, kid. I didn't wish for this to happen."

"But...isn't that what you always wanted, Snake?" Shinji said, catching Snake by surprise.

"Alright, alright...you win. You read me out." Snake replied. "But don't be getting any ideas, it's too early for that kind of thing."

Shinji only hugged Snake even more, as if he was a kitten adoring its master. Snake can rub his hair and sigh. "Damn kid..."

Shinji laughed a bit and sat up. "Hey, David...don't hold back details...tell me...what happened while you and Raiden were in Arsenal Gear?"

He complied and started to explain the details to Shinji. From outside the door, Misato was standing nearby watching in silence.

"He really cares about that boy..." said a female voice from behind Misato. She turned to the side and saw it was Meryl who was standing alongside with her. Misato looked at her in surprise.

"Hey, Meryl..." Misato saw her, before she looked back into the room Shinji was staying. "Yeah...he puts aside his hunt for the Patriots just to support Shinji at a time like this...I sometimes wonder if I'm just giving Snake more problems to deal with than he has now."

"Misato, Snake obviously cares for you and Shinji enough to be doing this. It's rare that someone of his type would try to be this compassionate towards unfortunate ones like Shinji." Meryl said. "It's a rare sight really, to be seeing David like this. He isn't cut out for this, but I guess I was wrong about how he would handle children."

"Shinji has no one but Snake and myself to turn to from now on..." Misato said. "You think he'll be able to keep Shinji from being discouraged about life as his father did to him when he was still alive?"

"I may not know much about that, but I know that whatever makes Shinji happy, it makes Snake glad too." Meryl said. "You're lucky to have a man like Snake getting your every need seen about."

"And are you glad that Snake has found some peace from being with Shinji?" Misato asked.

"Of course, who wouldn't be for him?" Meryl responded with a smile. She began to walk off from Misato's position.

"Wait, Meryl!" Misato called out to her. Meryl stopped to listen. "Yes?"

"I do hope there's someone as good as Snake waiting for you." Misato said. "I hope there's no hard feelings between us after you found out about him and I being together."

"Naw, don't fret about it really. I was just a kid back then, I never really could have seen eye to eye with Snake about how we view things at first." Meryl said. "Well, I don't want to keep you waiting. You should be with them."

Misato smiled at Meryl briefly as she walked down the hallway, then taking a deep breath, she opened the door to join Snake and Shinji in the conversation they were having.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Thirty-Third Day, on the streets of Toyko-3 in Misato's car...

"Well, Unit-01's restoration should be complete the day after tomorrow." Ritsuko said.

"So even though they are given divine power, mankind still threat it as a matter of fact." Misato responded.

"I can hardly agree with that. Speaking of which, I've heard rumors the Eva's are to be frozen."

"The Evangelion androids. They made be man made, but who knows what lurks inside that black box. I'm just glad that Shinji's life was saved." Misato said relaxed.

"No thanks to me, most of that credit probably goes to you and Snake." Ritsuko said. "Hey, I'm going bar hopping with Micheal later to celebrate. Maya and Hal are also joining us. Wanna come along?"

"Thanks, but I have to be somewhere else tonight." Misato confessed nervously. "Probably next time."

"I see." Ritsuko replied.

After the blond doctor was dropped off near her home, she waved to Misato as she drove off. "See you tomorrow."

"See ya." Misato called back. Ritsuko's face broke into a sly smile as she looked on.

"Shinji's just been saved, and already you're running off to your new 'lover'?" Ritsuko said to herself. "Well...guess I can't blame her."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Misato...you're here." Snake said, as he suddenly looked at a tired out Misato standing near the doorway of his apartment.

"Hi, David. Can I come in?" Misato asked nicely, taking off her jacket.

"Let me help you with that." he said, taking it off for her. She smiled at him for his courtesy and laid down on the couch. Snake sat down with her and offered her a Yebisu from which he had just bought for her, because her current supply had run out about a week before. He laid back, a almost finished cigarette in his right hand. "Shinji's resting well?"

"Yeah, he's getting enough sleep...considering the hell he went through." Misato said, while observing the mess in the apartment. It was obvious that Snake was catching on his paperwork concerning the Patriots and the mystery of Ultimatum Gear. She also noticed that Snake had only a white vest on with a casual short pants, and he certainly looked as if he needed a rest.

"It seems that you're in need of sleep as well..." Misato joked. Snake smiled back at her. He was feeling less and less energized to do anything again for the day.

"You got me there...but now that we have Shinji back, we can't afford to relax about this. The world knows the Commander is dead and the enemy will certainly take advantage of this." Snake said.

"Are you referring to Dead Cell, the Patriots or the Angels?" Misato said, before drinking from her can of beer.

Snake stood silent, trying to think of an answer so he wouldn't worry Misato, Shinji and the rest of the NERV folk that was assisting him and NERV in this crisis. "Well, whichever comes first..."

Misato looked at Snake with a concerned look in her eyes. "I'm worried about the First Child...Rei hasn't been herself since the Commander expired. What do you think, Snake?"

"As much as I can tell, she needs support as well. Jus as much as Shinji does from now on..." Snake stopped for a moment, then a smile came on his face. "Tell me, Misato...since Scorpion moved in with you guys, there wasn't much trouble with the...living arrangements?"

"You mean him staying with Asuka? It don't know...he usually tries to get her attention, and buy her trust. But normally, he's always toying with those knives and sniper rifles of his..." Misato responded. "I really ain't so comfortable with a young killer staying at my apartment, but he is the best out of his field...Section 2 can learn a thing or two from him."

Snake got close to Misato that she can smell the scent from his body, and it was something in it that almost made her wild. "What is it, David?"

"I was wondering...in order for the pilots to get better protection, both physically and emotionally, they should stick together at all times." Snake told Misato. "That's why I ordered Scorpion to stay around the Second Child, but I think that won't be enough."

"What are you saying, Snake?" Misato was confused.

"Misato..." Snake came closer and whispered into her ear gently. Her eyes widened to what he told her. She only answered with the reply:

"Of course, David." Misato blushed at him. "I accept."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

To Be Continued....

Rio: Well, what do you know, another monster of a Chapter completed. And it even covered what happened the chaos of events in one month. That's Shardclaw for you...Anyway, what's next on the agenda, Collis?

ShardclawK: Well, now that things seem to cool down for the time being, Snake and company can take a break, or can they?

Maya: Hey, what was it that Snake was going to ask Misato anyway? He wasn't going to propose to her, wasn't he? And not so soon too, after all that's happening.

ShardclawK: Nah, something just as cool is in place for everyone next Chapter. You won't believe what I have in store for the future of 'COE'.

Nanvel: So, that means we may get to see some couplings in action? Finally. All this action is starting to worry me.

ShardclawK: That and some more crazy stuff, namely...I can't tell anything for now, the fans will just have to wait for the next update. Work has been giving me a real pain in the posterior lately, that it's keeping me from getting anything done for my stories and getting me a real mental case! ARRRAGH, I hate when stuff like that happens!

Lilica: Aww, poor Collis. Do you want me to rub your back to relax you, while I'm dressed in only this skimpy swimsuit?

ShardclawK: Please, do, Lilica. Ahh, I feel better already...

Maya: Of, course, Collis! Your stories always kick ass one way or the other.

Lilica: Collis! Your new personal guitarist is here!

ShardclawK: Finally. Let's go meet this person I heard so much of!

Myself and the ladies of Team Warrior step out of the Hinata Inn to meet a sultry woman dressed in a red, skimpy leather, wearing a droopy witch hat holding an electrical guitar. She looked up and she had a mole just above her luscious, full lips on her left cheek, short black hair and green eyes. She smiled devishily, then she spoke.

Female Rocker: You're Shardclaw? You're even more sexier than I thought!

ShardclawK: ...Um, thanks...I think. And you are?

Female Rocker: You can call me I-no. And that will be the last name you'll ever remember on your trip to hell!

ShardclawK: Hey, what the...?

I-no: I'm so sorry about this, but Gendou Ikari sent me personally to make sure that you stop with these perverted omakes you create to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. I really don't want to do this, you're such a stud and all, but it's nothing personal.

ShardclawK: The Incredible Wanker Man never gives up, will he?

Rio: Shardclaw! Be careful!

Nanvel: Watch out for her EX Tension attack! The Megalomania Super Move!

ShardclawK: You don't mean the one when she opens up a pair of angel wings and releases her energy all over the screen? I don't know how to defend myself against that!

I-no: Prepare yourself, Kusanagi!

ShardclawK: Oh, Hell! Only one thing left to do then...

Our author hero surprises everyone by dodging her move from a close distance, then rushes in, then grabs her in a cross arm position, but I ended up groping I-no's mammaries instead!

I-no: Oh, no! You caught me! I suppose you won't use your Kamakura hold on me, won't you?

ShardclawK: Umm, no way! I never hurt a lady after I grope their breasts!

I-no: 'Sighs' I guess that I'm victim to your power, great Shardclaw. I'm sorry that I tried to hurt you...but it was that damn asshole Gendou's fault.

ShardclawK: Then, it's up to me to put him in his place once and for all! Where is he?

I-no: In his office in Nerv.

ShardclawK: Then, it's settled. (Snaps finger.)

Naked Jehuty appears from underground, the pilot's seat opens as I jump in.

ShardclawK: ADA, take me to Tokyo-3 ASAP so I can get back in time to strand some SNK vs. Capcom, Guilty Gear X2, then it's on to my daily orgy with my harem of anime beauties!

ADA: Location set to Geofront, Tokoy-3, year 2015, confirmed. Prepare for launch, sir Kusanagi.

ShardclawK: Don't call me that!

A few moments later, and after a loud banging of System of a Down's 'Chop Suey', I find myself in the Geofront near Nerv headquarters. Naked Jehuty stops then goes into ZOE style Codec mode.

ADA: Shardclaw, there's a message for your from one of your favorite author/reviewers, RuneKnightPictures.

ShardclawK: Hey, let him know that I'm waiting forever for an update to his 'Spider in the Eva' fic! That's my most favorite crossover right now!

ADA: He's been having a rough time lately, he needs time to get himself together to update any more of his stories.

ShardclawK: So, he's been having a tough time lately, huh? At least let's help him out a little...connect me to frequency 349.

ADA: Connecting to Delmo Base...who would you like to speak to?

ShardclawK: Let me talk to Rie Petroiakowa if she's not too busy.

Another Codec screen appears, showing an attractive young Japanese girl dressed in a yellow dress, with a mini skirt. She was performing deadly high kicks, and every time she did, a gush of blood leaked from my nose because of the white panty shot close-up.

ShardclawK: Rie, it's me, Collis! Are you busy?

Rie: Shardclaw! It's really great to see you! How's life?

ShardclawK: You know me...always the perverted author who rules the ladies. Listen, I need you to do a favor if you're not too busy.

Rie: Anything, my supertud of a writer friend, you.

ShardclawK: I have friend who goes by RuneKnight Pictures, who having problems right now. I really want him to update his 'Spider in the Eva' really soon, so go help him out...relieve him of his troubles.

Rie: Of course, Collis. Anything else?

ShardclawK: Use EXCESSIVE force on him if you have to. I suggest carrying back up with you for this as well. And...please do one more high kick for the road?

Rie: Like this? Hiyaaah!

I fall backwards from the sight of probably the most greatest panty shot ever, more blood overflowing from my nostrils.

Rie: I'm going with two of my best partners from the Gold Delmos organization. I'll contact you when the mission's accomplished.

After she signed off, ADA cuts in.

ADA: Shardclaw, there's an incoming target heading our direction. Should we engage battle?

ShardclawK: Hey, that's Evangelion Unit 00! No need, ADA. I know this pilot.

Rei: Identify yourself.

ShardclawK: Hey, Rei, it's me, Collis. You can drop that attitude of yours.

Rei with a bright smile: ShardclawK! Hey, homes, what's up?

ShardclawK: The usual. That bastard Commander of yours wants to stop my rampage in fan fiction.

Rei: Again?! Didn't you kill him last Chapter?

ShardclawK: Must have cloned himself somehow.

Rei: And you're here to?

ShardclawK: To find him and kill him, what else?

Rei: Then, I won't stop you...he's probably reading a hentai magazine behind his desk, in the dark as usual...

ShardclawK: Your ass is mine, Gendou!

Rei: Happy hunting! And hurry up and finish your 'End of Eva May Cry' fic soon!

In Gendou's office, The Incredible Wanker Man himself behind his desk, reading a hentai magazine. Just then, a thunderous voice calls out, shattering the windows in his office.

ShardclawK: I've finally found you, Gendou! Stand up and face me like a man, you bastard!

Gendou stands up with only his pants down.

ShardclawK: Ewwww! Dude, put something on! That's disgusting! Really!

Gendou: Haven't you gotten tired of humiliating me? First you kill me in your story to satisfy everyone of your fans, then you make me do this. Just what is it that goes through that demented mind of yours?

ShardclawK: Believe me, I ask myself that sometimes whenever I write...but to hell with me and my problems...You got nerves to send I-no after me. Now, I'll make you pay triple for your crimes. First, I call out Silent Scorpion to shoot you right in the nads!

Silent Scorpion jumps out from behind Naked Jehuty, armed with a sniper rifle, and some of his knives. He takes aim at Gendou's balls, then fires. And to add to the disaster, one of Scorpion's biggest knives slices the rest off.

ShardclawK: That gotta hurt. Next, Raiden and his HF-Blade!

Raiden jumps in, stabbing Gendou through his back, Sephiroth style. Then taking it out using a slice from inwards the chest to the outside.

ShardclawK: Good show! Ah, Then to finish it...Naru Nasegawa and her Naru punch!

Naru: But he's no Keitaro! Why should I punch him?

ShardclawK: Because he groped Rei in the End Of Evangelion movie!

Naru: Okay, that's reason enough! Naru PUNCH!

Gendou, in pain: Oh, SHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIITTTTTT!

Gendou goes flying right into my Naked Jehuty, which he gets flatten by the windscreen.

ShardclawK: Having fun? Now, my turn...Phalanx attack!

I took out Jehuty's firing gun, and fire it at Gendou, turning him into tomato paste.

Raiden: I think that was overkill.

Scorpion: Forget him...I have a hot date with Asuka waiting for me. I've no time to see more of this.

ShardclawK: Now that must have been the craziest omake I've ever written. Due to the time constraints, I just had to do this one for my fans who loved seeing Gendou die. Thanks y'all!

Thanks for all of those who enjoyed my work as always, you know you'll always get goddies when you read my stuff. Oh, yeah, like Tempest Dynasty, I must confess: Guilty Gear X2 just happens to be my favorite fighting game right now, that, Soulcalibur 2, and SNK. Vs. Capcom are my most wanted for the moment. But don't get me started with GGX2, everything about that game is so damn lovable, that I can't put the control down once it's on. That game is so friggin good, but it's also hard at the same time! Anyone of you ever tried to beat any of the Mission Modes, (not Mission No.1) or at Story Mode, tried to beat Dizzy with Johnny, or Ex I-no with Baiken? I remember the times I had my fingers in pain afterwards trying to beat the sometimes impossible to beat A.I after countless tries. But, it's so addictive that it made me try over and over until eventually I can get the rewarding artwork at the end. That game deserves some respect, and maybe in the coming year, (2004, that is) I may do a Guilty Gear X2/Evangelion crossover. Anyone want to feedback on that one?

Well, as usual, I want the reviews...only several more to go before this fic gets to it 'first' 100 reviews anyway. Oh, and make sure to read my 'Soldier X' fic as well. Hey, you guys got a problem with me being greedy? Until the next update, I'm out. Collis-aka ShardclawKusanagi.

Thanks for all the reviews and I well wish you all the best in 2004!